Cheese markets are riding an export boom, with notable shifts in global demand. The United States recently broke records in cheese exports—shipping over 1.028 billion pounds in the past year for the first time ever. This milestone signals a robust international appetite for cheese despite high dairy prices.

Total global cheese exports from major producers increased for ten consecutive months, with Mexico remaining the top importer of U.S. cheese and steady growth in Asian markets. Consumers are also shifting toward premium and convenient cheese products, such as specialty cheeses and snack-friendly formats, pushing producers to diversify their offerings.

European cheese exporters benefit from competitive pricing and recovering food service demand in Asia. However, volatile milk input costs and looming trade policy changes, such as Mexico’s proposed tariffs on U.S. cheese, create uncertainty. Additionally, sustainability is becoming a key factor in dairy processing—major cheese companies are investing in greener production to align with evolving consumer expectations.

With strong global demand and shifting consumer preferences, the cheese trade is expected to remain resilient, but producers must navigate costs, policy shifts, and evolving market trends.